Bird feeders can support Great Lakes birds when natural food sources may be scarce or buried beneath snow and during migration come spring, but it’s essential to follow safety tips to keep them healthy and prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza and other diseases.

To feed or not to feed

While most backyard birds are at low risk of HPAI, the virus is present in some wild bird populations in the Great Lakes. Positive HPAI cases have been documented in commercial flocks, backyard flocks, dairy cattle, wild birds and wild mammals, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Most cases occur in waterfowl and scavengers like eagles, hawks and owls, but other wild birds, including shorebirds and gulls, can harbor the virus.

Since December, there has been an uptick in HPAI wild bird deaths, primarily in Canada geese, trumpeter swans and scavenging birds. HPAI is shed – or released via viral particles – through feces, saliva and nasal discharges. Though some human cases have been reported, the general population’s risk remains low.

In Michigan, you can still feed your backyard birds, but wildlife experts urge you to keep birds safe with some simple steps.

Do: Report observations of six or more dead birds using the DNR’s Eyes in Field reporting form or calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030. Clean bird feeders every one-two weeks in a 9:1 solution of water and bleach, scrubbing away any debris. Wear gloves while cleaning feeders and thoroughly wash hands when finished. Let feeders dry fully before refilling. Fence in your feeders, if possible, to prevent deer access and reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease. Remove and disinfect feeders if sick or dead birds are found. Don’t: Handle or attempt to capture sick or dead birds. Let your pets near bird carcasses. Place seed directly on the ground or use platform feeders, which attract large numbers of birds, deer and rodents. Feed wild birds if you have backyard poultry. Visit Michigan DNR’s HPAI Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the virus and how you can help keep Michigan’s birds safe. Learn more about Michigan birds and backyard bird feeding tips at MI Birds, a public outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR. MI Birds engages Michiganders in caring for public lands vital to birds and communities.

Questions? Contact DNR wildlife pathologist Julie Melotti at 517-243-1953